Characterization of medical personnel and infrastructure available in pharmacy in-store clinics in Mexico

Background and objectives: In the last decade, in Mexico the number pharmacy in-store medical clinics has rapidly increased with little supervision of working conditions of medical personnel and quality of care delivered. This study explored the socio-demographic characteristics and working conditions of medical personnel of pharmacy in-store clinics and the clinics' infrastructure. Material and methods: We conducted an exploratory survey of physicians working in pharmacy in-store clinics (ISC) in Mexico in 2012 asking about their work contracts, remuneration and the infrastructure available. We compared their answers with physicians working in independent private clinics (IPC). Descriptive statistical methods were used for analysis. Results: Of the 239 survey respondents 33% worked in ISC and 67% in IPC. Five were medical undergraduates, the rest were licensed physicians. Those working in ISC had less years working in their profession (5 versus 12 years) and fewer of them received post-graduate education (61 versus 82%). On average, physicians earned less (USD434 vs. USD700) than compared to their colleagues in the IPC. Infrastructure was more basic in the ISC, among other aspects 25% not having patient records versus 20% in IPC. However, physicians in ISC had more information on the availability of medicines at the pharmacy than the physicians in IPC (60 versus 33%). All differences described were statistically significant at the p<0.05 level. Conclusions: Failure to comply with the current regulations (e.g. absence of patient records, unlicensed physicians) indicates the need for improved monitoring of ICS, as a way of seeking higher quality of services offered.